Single-handed cord/cable management device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a device for bundling cables, ropes, wires, or other long flexible materials that are desired to be bundled. The device comprises an arcuate strap for encircling bundled cables. The strap is preferably discontinuous, with first and second ends forming a mouth into a central cavity formed by an arcuate strap. Finger grips are located adjacent to the first and second ends, allowing fingers of a user to be used to pull the first and second ends of the strap to open the normally closed mouth of the device. The device also preferably includes engagement features on the first and second ends to allow the first and second ends to be forced into engagement to lock cables into the cavity formed by the arcuate shape of the strap.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/327,435, filed Dec. 20, 2002, issued on Mar. 30,2004 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,320 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/907,016, filed Jul. 17, 2001, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 6,536,719.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to the organization and storageof flexible tubes and cables, and more particularly to devices forreleasably constraining flexible tubes and cable together in a manneramenable to quick and repeatable bundling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need to coil or bundle wires, cables, flexible tubes, ropes andhoses exists throughout industry and home life. Devices such asextension cords, cables, air hoses, ropes, and other long, flexiblearticles (hereinafter referred to generically as “cables”) present astorage problem, where coiled cables often become tangled due to thelack of constraints to keep the cables properly coiled. The traditionalstorage method is to wrap the cables around a person's elbow and betweenthe thumb and forefinger. Once the cable has been coiled, some form ofstrap is placed around the coil and fastened to prevent the coil fromtangling or uncoiling.

An early device devised to act as a strap consisted of a simple piece ofbendable wire which could be twisted to retain the wire around thebundled cables. Twist ties, as these wire retainers are frequentlycalled, provide an economical tie, but can not be easily attachedsingle-handedly, and furthermore have limited lifespans due to fatiguingof the wire. Furthermore, untwisting the tie can often be difficult.

Plastic variations of the twist tie have been developed which rely ontoothed engagement fasteners to prevent the tie from coming lose. Onevariation of a plastic tie uses a serrated end which is passed through aslot in the opposite end of the tie as a means of adjustably fasteningthe tie. Although this construction is economical, it like-wise does notlend itself to single-handed installation. Furthermore, once fastened,the serrated edges can be difficult to withdraw from the slot, making itdifficult to remove the tie, and thus release bundled cables.

Later developments, such as the tying means shown in U.S. Pat. No.4,958,791 to Nakamura, incorporate one or more teeth on the end or endsof the strap to lock the strap in the closed position. These straps alsoutilize a normally open position to ease the difficulties of placingcables into the cavity of the device, allowing easier single handedoperation. Once the device has been wrapped around the object or objectsto be constrained, the ends of the strap are forced into engagement,locking the tie into place. Nakamura provides a pair of tabs to releasethe engagement teeth, allowing the band once fastened to be unlocked.Once unlocked, however, the mouth of the band is open, allowing bundledcables or wires to fall from the device. Furthermore, grouping thecables one at a time into the Nakamura device is difficult, since thereis no method provided for holding the device while individual cables areplaced into the device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cablemanagement device which is easily held to allow cables to be placed intothe device one at a time, while reducing the likelihood of cablesalready placed into the device from falling out of the device. It isalso an object of the present invention to provide a cable managementdevice having a controllable mouth gap to ease the difficulties ofplacing cables or wires into the device. Finally, it is also an objectof the present invention to provide a cable management device that canbe readily released and reused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a cable bundling device. The cablebundling device has a flexible strap portion for surrounding the bightsof a bundled group of cables, wires, or other long flexible articles(hereafter referred to generically as “cables”). The strap forms acircular shape to surround the bights. The circular shape forms acentral cavity within which the cables may be restrained. The strap hasthree states. The strap has a first and a second end which form adiscontinuity in the perimeter of the strap. Removabley affixed fingergrips are mounted adjacent to the ends of the strap, allowing thefingers of a user to be inserted into the finger grips to pull the endsapart, thereby opening a mouth into the cavity of the cable bundlingdevice. The strap has a relaxed state wherein the first and second endsare close together, such that the mouth of the device must be openedthrough use of the finger grips before cables can be placed into orremoved from the cable bundling device. The strap also has an open statewherein the ends of the strap have been pulled apart to form the mouth.

In a further embodiment, the cable bundling device has engagementfeatures located on the ends of the strap, allowing the strap ends to belocked together. The engagement features may be a tooth extending from afirst end of the strap, and a slot extending from the second end.Placement of the tooth into the slot limits the ability of the two endsto be separated, thereby locking cables into the cavity of the cablebundling device. Placement of the tooth into the slot may beaccomplished by forcing the ends of the strap to overlap, allowing thetooth and slot to enter into an interlocked state.

In a still further embodiment, engagement features may include aplurality of teeth on one end, with at least one tooth on the oppositeend, such that the position of the two strap ends can be varied in thelocked state allowing the cable bundling device to be tightened around agroup of bundled cables.

In a still further embodiment, the cable bundling device may include atleast one retainer generally oppositely disposed from the discontinuityin the perimeter of the strap. A retainer may be fixed or removableyaffixed to the cable bundling device and may be placed around an objectsuitable for anchoring the cable bundling device. Other features andadvantages of the invention will be apparent from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiment, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cable bundling device accordingto the present invention as viewed along the long axis of the device,where the cable bundling device is shown in a relaxed state.

FIG. 1A is a detail view of the mouth area of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows a cable bundling device according to the present inventionin an opened state.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a cable bundling device according tothe present invention, with the cable bundling device nested in the palmof a user's hand.

FIG. 4 shows a cable bundling device according to the present inventionin cross-section as viewed along the long axis of the device, where thecable bundling device is shown in locked state.

FIG. 5 shows in perspective a cable bundling device according to thepresent invention, wherein the device is formed from a metallic strap.

FIG. 6 shows a view in partial cross-section along plane B—B as shown inFIG. 7 of a cable bundling device as viewed along an axis perpendicularto the long axis of the device, wherein the finger grips comprisechannels and backstraps.

FIG. 7 shows a view in partial cross-section along plane A—A as shown inFIG. 6 of a cable bundling device as viewed along the long axis of thedevice, wherein the finger grips comprise channels and backstraps.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a cable bundling device accordingto the present invention as viewed along the long axis of the device,where the cable bundling device utilizes multiple teeth engagement meanson both ends to provide a variable locked position.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a cable bundling device accordingto the present invention as viewed along the long axis of the device,wherein the cable bundling device utilizes cup shaped finger grips.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a cable bundling deviceaccording to the present invention as viewed along the long axis of thedevice, wherein the cable bundling device utilizes removable fingergrips and a removable retainer.

FIG. 11 shows in perspective a cable bundling device according to theembodiment shown in FIG. 10, placed onto a locating cable.

FIG. 12 shows a cable bundling device according to the presentinvention, utilizing a joiner to allow several cable bundling devices tobe joined.

FIG. 12A shows in perspective a joiner for joining four cable bundlingdevices.

FIG. 12B shows in perspective a joiner for joining three cable bundlingdevices.

FIG. 12C shows in perspective a joiner for joining two cable bundlingdevices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there isshown a presently preferred embodiment of a cable bundling deviceaccording to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 100includes a flexible arcuate strap 102. The strap 102 is preferably madefrom a material having an elastic tendency to return to a relaxed state.Such materials include various plastics, such as nylon and teflon.Alternately, the strap may be formed from a metallic material such asspring steel, as shown in FIG. 5, and discussed further below.

The device 100 of the present invention has three states. The normalstate is associated with a relaxed state of the device 100, in which thefirst 104 and second 106 ends substantially abut, preventing cables 128bundled in the device 100 from freely falling from the cavity 126 of thedevice 100. The second state of the device is when the first 104 andsecond 106 ends have been forced apart to open the mouth 124 of thedevice 100. The third state is a locked state discussed further below.

The strap of the present invention may be made from any flexiblematerial, as long as the material has sufficient strength and resiliencyto accomplish the present invention. Flexible plastics, metal, rubber,are preferred due to the ease with which the cable bundling device canbe formed from these materials. The finger loops which are provided toallow the two ends to be separated may be integrally formed with thestrap, or may be formed separately and attached to the strap, such asthrough bonding, welding, or mechanical fastening.

The strap has a first 104 and a second 106 end. In the relaxed state,the ends 104 and 106 of the strap substantially complete thecircumference of the arcuate shape of the strap. The first end 104 ofthe strap has a male engagement structure such as a raised tooth 108(shown in FIG. 1A which is a detail view of the mouth area of FIG. 1)extending above the outer surface 110 of the strap. The tooth 108 is atits highest at its point 114 opposite the first end 104 of the strap,and tapers to join the outer surface 110 of the strap 102 adjacent thefirst end 104 of the strap. The second end 106 of the strap 102 has aslot 112 through the material of the strap 102. The slot 112 has a frontedge 118 which is parallel to a long axis of the device (shown in FIG. 3as 302), such that when the tooth 108 is placed in the slot 112, theface 116 of the tooth rests against the front edge 118 of the slot 112.

First 120 and second 122 finger grips are located adjacent to the first104 and second 106 ends of the strap 102. The finger grips 120, 122 arepreferably closed rings or loops through or into which a finger can beinserted. Other shapes, such as a finger hook or a thimble or loops orcup-shaped shell not necessarily closed, can be used, however suchshapes may present a tendency to snag on other objects.

The relaxed state of the device 100 results in the mouth 124 of thedevice (forming the entrance into the cavity 126 of the device) beingsubstantially closed. The first 104 and second 106 ends of the strap 102may be allowed to overlap, as the desired result is to restrain cables128 from freely leaving the cavity 126 unless the device 100 is forcedinto an open state.

As shown in FIG. 2, the circumference of the arcuate strap 102 ispreferably chosen so that the strap 102 comfortably rests in the palm202 of a user's hand between the thumb 204 and middle fingers 206. Thefinger grips 120, 122 are disposed such that the middle finger 206 andthe thumb 204 can be inserted into the first 120 and second 122 fingergrips. The circumference of the arcuate strap 102 may varied toaccommodate differing sizes and amounts of cables to be bundled.Variance of the circumference of the arcuate strap 102 may becoordinated with re-positioning of the finger grips 120, 122 to maintaincorrect ergonomic positioning. Although the preferred embodiment allowsthe arcuate strap 102 to rest in the palm 202 of a user's hand, the onlysize limitation is the ability of a user to single-handedly operate thefinger grips 120, 122 to open the device 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the length 302 of device 100 may be sufficientlylong to provide a protective layer in the palm 202 of a hand when cables118 are being placed into the device 100. The protection provided bothhelps in keeping a user's hand clean, since the cables do not contactthe hand holding the device 100, but also provide a protective layer toprevent friction from causing injury to the hand. Also, the protectionprovided insulates a user from rough or frayed surfaces associated witha cable.

The orientation of the device 100 in the palm 202 of a user's handfurthermore allows the elbow (not shown) of a user to be used tomaintain loop length while cable 128 is being wound into the device 100.With the device 100 in the palm 202 of the hand, the mouth 124 can beopened each time a bight is passed into the device 100, or heldcontinuously open while cable 128 is bundled.

As shown in FIG. 4, the device 100 may be placed into a locked closedstate by forcing the first end 104 of the arcuate strap 102 into aposition under the second end 106, such that the engagement tooth 108extends through the slot 112 in the second end 106. The strap 102 ispreferably formed such that the first end 104 of the strap 102 is biasedagainst the second end 106 when the tooth 108 is inserted into the slot112. In order to release the locked engagement, the finger grip 120 onthe first end 104 may be pushed inward, disengaging the tooth 108 fromthe slot 112 and allowing the mouth 124 of the device 100 to be opened.

Although the device is preferably fabricated from a plastic, the devicemay be fabricated from other materials. Shown in FIG. 5, the device 100may be fabricated from a spring metal strap 502. The finger grips 504,506 may be attached to the spring metal strap 502, such as by bonding ormechanical fastening. The finger grips 504, 506 are shown in FIG. 5 asbeing riveted 508 to the strap 502. The engagement tooth 108 may also beformed from a separate piece and bonded or mechanically fastened to thestrap 502, or may alternately be formed by punching a raised tooth ordisplaced portion into the strap 502 itself. The slot 112 when used witha metallic strap may also be formed by punching a rectangular hole ordisplaced portion through the strap 502, or may alternately be formed bypunching a tooth shape into the second end 106, such that when the tooth108 of the first end 104 is aligned with the tooth 510 of the second end106, the pocket formed by the tooth 510 of the second end allows thetooth 108 of the first end to nest into and engage the tooth 510 of thesecond end. In order to accomplish such nesting, the second tooth 510must be sized such that the first tooth 108 will nest inside the secondtooth 510.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the finger grips 120, 122 do not need to beexternal to the strap 102, but may rather be integrally formed into thestrap 102 itself. FIG. 6, shown in partial cross-section, shows a cablebundling device 100 according to the present invention wherein channels602 have been molded into the sides of the device 100 to allow fingersto pass between backstraps 604 and the body 606 of the device 100. Asshown in FIG. 7, the channels 602 result in a constriction in the cavity126 when viewed along the long axis of the device 100.

Although the presently preferred embodiment relies on a single toothedengagement system for simplicity, multiple tooth engagement systems maybe used in conjunction with the cable bundling device 100 of the presentinvention. Shown in FIG. 8 is a multi-tooth engagement system used inconjunction with the present invention. A first end 802 of the strap 102has multiple teeth 804, each tooth 804 having a consistent size. Theteeth 804 face the exterior 808 of the arcuate strap 102 in its relaxedstate. The second end 806 of the strap 102 has an inner surface 810 onwhich multiple teeth 812 are formed, with the size of the teeth 812consistent with the size of the teeth 804 on the first end 802. Theteeth 804, 812 on the first 802 and second 806 ends are preferablyback-cut, such that tension in the strap 102 when engaged causes engagedteeth 804, 812 to pull together.

The teeth 804, 812 when engaged can be released simply by pressinginward on the first end 802 of the device. With the device 102 cradledin the palm 202 of a hand, the device 100 can be opened to allow cables128 to be passed through the mouth 124 into the cavity 126, relaxed torestrain the cables 128 within the cavity 126, and closed to a lockedengagement state without having to change the position of the device 100within a user's palm 202.

In addition to utilizing open ended finger grips, the cable bundlingdevice may utilize finger grips 902 having closed ends 904, such thatthe finger grips form a cup shape to enclose an inserted finger.

Should the user desire to release the cables 124, the user can againplace the bundling device 100 into the palm 202 of his or her hand, witha thumb 204 and an opposing digit such as the middle finger 206 insertedinto the finger grips 120, 122. As the engagement means of the bundlingdevice 100 have an overlying and an underlying feature, the locked stateof the bundling device 100 can be released by extending the digit in thefinger grip 122 adjacent to the over-riding engagement feature, andextending the finger. Alternately, the engagement feature may bereleased by clenching the digit in the finger grip 120 adjacent to theunderlying engagement feature, or by a combination of extending onedigit and clenching the other to cause the engagement features todisengage from each other.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 10, wherein a retainer 1002 may befurther provided to the cable bundling device 100 to allow the cablebundling device 100 to be retained at or along a location, either beforeor after cables have been placed into the cable bundling device 100, orwhile cables are being inserted into the cable bundling device 100. Theretainer 1002 shown in FIG. 10 is formed by a removeable section whichmay be alternately engaged or removed from the cable bundling device100. The retainer 1002 may have an aperture 1004 therethrough forreceiving a locating cable 1006. The base 1008 of the retainer 1002 maybe provided with a slot 1010 to allow the locating cable 1006 to beinserted into the locating cable aperture 1004.

The cable bundling device 100 may be provided with a channel 1012 forreceiving a tongue 1011 on the retainer 1002. The channel 1012 may haveone or more detents 1014 formed such that when the tongue 1011 isinserted into the channel 1012, the tongue 1011 will be retained in thechannel 1012. The channel detents 1014 may be formed by providing aprotrusion 1016 on a surface of the channel 1012 and a recess 1018 on asurface of the tongue 1011, such that when the tongue 1011 is properlylocated within the channel 1012, the protrusion 1016 of the channel 1012aligns with the recess 1018 on the tongue 1011 itself The features of adetent 1014 may alternately be reversed, such that the protrusion isformed on the tongue 1011, while the recess is formed on a surface ofthe channel 1012.

Alternately, the fit between the tongue 1011 and the channel 1012 may beimplemented such that a slight interference between the tongue 1011 andthe channel 1012 exists, such that friction between the tongue 1011 andthe channel 1012 causes retention of the tongue 1011 in the channel1012. The tongue 1011 and channel 1012 may incorporate a taper from oneend to the other to assist with insertion of the tongue 1011 into thechannel 1012, while retaining the friction fit when the tongue 1011 isfully inserted into the channel 1012.

Where it is not desired that the retainer 1002 be removeable from thecable bundling device 100, the retainer 1002 may be fixed to the cablebundling device 100, such as by bonding or mechanically joining theretainer to the cable bundling device.

Additionally, where removeable retainers are implemented, the aperture1004 of the retainer 1002 may be selected such that a snug fit betweenthe aperture 1004 and the locating cable 1006 (as shown in retainer 1020and locating cable 1022) may be provided to assist in the locating cable1022 fixing the location of the cable bundling device 100 (i.e., toprevent the cable bundling device 100 from sliding along a locatingcable 1022). As the outer diameter 1024 of the locating cable 1022 mayvary based on the cable selected, retainers 1020 having different innerdiameters 1020 of the aperture 1004, 1028 may be provided, such that anappropriate retainer may be selected based on the outer diameter 1024 ofthe locating cable in use, and then be engaged to the cable bundlingdevice.

As also shown in FIG. 10, the finger grips 1028 may also be providedwith a removeable connection between the finger grips 1028 and thearcuate strap portion 102 of the cable bundling device 100, such thatthe finger grips 1028 can be attached or removed as required. The use ofengageable finger grips 1028 simplifies manufacturing concernsassociated with production of the cable bundling device 100, such thatpieces can be molded separately, then joined to form the whole device.In addition to utilizing a removeable connection, the finger grips 1028may be bonded or mechanically joined to the arcuate strap portion ascircumstances warrant.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cable bundling device according to the embodimentshown in FIG. 10 mounted along a locating cable 1006. Such an embodimentmay be preferably utilized where a locating cable 1006 is available forpositioning bundled cables 1102. Where the removeable connection isutilized, the retainer 1002 may be placed onto the locating cable 1006,cables bundled into the cable bundling device 100, followed by the cablebundling device 100 being connected to the retainer 1002. Such a processmay be used to simplify the bundling of cables, such as may occur duringset-up or break-down of an exhibit for a trade show.

As shown in FIG. 12, the channel 1012 may alternately be utilized toreceive a joiner 1202 for joining two or more cable bundling devices 100a, 100 b together. The joiner 1202 may have a body 1204 of sufficientlength 1206 to allow adequate separation between cable bundling devices100 a, 100 b when the cable bundling devices 100 a, 100 b are joined.FIG. 12A shows a joiner 1202 a designed to join four cable bundlingdevices, while FIG. 12B shows a joiner 1202 b designed to join threecable bundling devices. Finally, FIG. 12C shows a joiner 1202 c designedto join two cable bundling devices. It should be apparent that, althoughdesigned to join four cable bundling devices, the joiner of FIG. 12could be utilized to join two cable bundling devices, while theremaining legs of the joiner remain unattached to cable bundlingdevices.

The description of the embodiments herein are provided to enable anyperson skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Variousmodifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other embodiments without the use of the inventive faculty.Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable bundling device comprising: a flexiblearcuate strap portion, said strap portion having a first end and asecond end, and an inner surface and an outer surface, said outersurface forming a perimeter of said flexible arcuate strap portion,wherein said first and second ends form a discontinuity in saidperimeter of said arcuate strap portion, and wherein said inner surfaceforms a cavity; a retainer, said retainer being joined to said arcuatestrap portion; first and second finger grips, said first finger gripbeing located adjacent to said first end, and said second finger gripbeing located adjacent to said second end; wherein said first and secondfinger grip allow interposition of a finger between said flexiblearcuate strap portion and said finger grip, wherein said first andsecond ends substantially abut each other when said flexible arcuatestrap portion is in a relaxed state; wherein said retainer is removeablyconnected to said arcuate strap portion; and wherein said retainer isremoveably connected to said arcuate strap portion by a connectorportion, said connector portion comprising a channel and a tongue, saidtongue being retained in said channel when said tongue is inserted intosaid channel.
 2. The cable bundling device of claim 1, wherein thechannel is formed in the arcuate strap portion.
 3. The cable bundlingdevice of claim 1, further comprising a detent formed to assistretention of the tongue within the channel when the tongue is positionedwithin said channel.
 4. The cable bundling device of claim 3, whereinsaid detent comprises a protrusion on a surface of the channel, and arecess on a surface of the tongue, wherein said protrusion extends intosaid recess when said tongue is inserted into said channel.
 5. The cablebundling device of claim 3, wherein said detent comprises a protrusionon a surface of the tongue, and a recess on a surface of the channel,wherein said protrusion extends into said recess when said tongue isinserted into said channel.
 6. A cable bundling device comprising: aflexible arcuate strap portion, said strap portion having a first endand a second end, and an inner surface and an outer surface, said outersurface forming a perimeter of said flexible arcuate strap portion,wherein said first and second ends form a discontinuity in saidperimeter of said arcuate strap portion, and wherein said inner surfaceforms a cavity; a retainer, said retainer being joined to said arcuatestrap portion; first and second finger grips, said first finger gripbeing located adjacent to said first end, and said second finger gripbeing located adjacent to said second end; wherein said first and secondfinger grips allow interposition of a finger between said flexiblearcuate strap portion and said finger grip, wherein said first andsecond ends substantially abut each other when said flexible arcuatestrap portion is in a relaxed state.
 7. A cable bundling devicecomprising: a plurality of flexible arcuate strap portions, said strapportions each having a first end and a second end, and an inner surfaceand an outer surface, said outer surface forming a perimeter of saidflexible arcuate strap portion, wherein said first and second ends forma discontinuity in said perimeter of said arcuate strap portion, andwherein said inner surface forms a cavity; first and second finger gripsattached to each of said flexible arcuate strap portions, wherein saidfirst finger grips are located adjacent to said first end, and saidsecond finger grip are located adjacent to said second end; wherein saidfirst and second finger grips allow interposition of a finger betweensaid flexible arcuate strap portion and said finger grip, wherein saidfirst and second ends of each flexible arcuate strap portionsubstantially abut each other when said flexible arcuate strap portionis in a relaxed state; and a joiner, said joiner being engageable tosaid arcuate strap portions to join said plurality of flexible arcuatestrap portions to each other.
 8. A cable bundling device according toclaim 7, wherein said joiner is engageable to said flexible arcuatestrap portions via a plurality of means for removeably engaging thejoiner to said flexible arcuate strap portions.
 9. A cable bundlingdevice according to claim 8, where said means for removeably engagingthe joiner to said flexible arcuate strap portion comprises a channeland a tongue, said tongue being retained in said channel when saidtongue is inserted into said channel.
 10. The cable bundling device ofclaim 9, wherein the channel is formed in the arcuate strap portion, andthe tongue is formed on said joiner.
 11. The cable bundling device ofclaim 9, further comprising a detent formed to assist retention of thetongue within the channel when the tongue is positioned within saidchannel.
 12. The cable bundling device of claim 11, wherein said detentcomprises a protrusion on a surface of the channel, and a recess on asurface of the tongue, wherein said protrusion extends into said recesswhen said tongue is inserted into said channel.
 13. The cable bundlingdevice of claim 11, wherein said detent comprises a protrusion on asurface of the tongue, and a recess on a surface of the channel, whereinsaid protrusion extends into said recess when said tongue is insertedinto said channel.
 14. The cable bundling device of claim 7, whereinsaid joiner allows three flexible arcuate strap portions to beselectively joined.
 15. The cable bundling device of claim 7, whereinsaid joiner allows four flexible arcuate strap portions to beselectively joined.